Chapter 81

The Beacons are Lit!

Thorin's POV

Elena wasn't sleeping. She spent most of her time in the archery range. I woke up to feel an empty space beside me and I sighed. I got up and pulled on a tunic and a pair of trousers. I made my way through the mountain and outside. It was cold and I wished I taken a cloak with me. She was there as I thought.

"Elena."

She didn't look at me, but I knew she heard me. She heard everything with those damn elven ears, especially things I didn't want her to hear. She fired another arrow.

"Elena."

She finally turned to me.

"It's the middle of the night."

"I couldn't sleep."

She sat down on some hay and I sat next to her.

"You haven't slept all these past few nights. I'm worried about you, love."

She smiled a bit and touched my cheek.

"You have no room to talk, carino."

I frowned.

"What?"

"You spend at least seven to ten hours a day in that forge."

I sighed but then smirked.

"It seems we both have what you call 'separation issues'."

She laughed a bit and nodded.

"We're parents. Worrying is part of the package."

I chucked and put my arms around her.

"They'll be back and they'll be alright." I told her.

'I know."

I kissed the top of her head and she looked up at me. I kissed her full lips and she moved onto my lap. I leaned back and looked into her eyes.

"I think maybe we've been so worried about Eruraviel and the twins, we've uh… neglected each other a bit."

He chuckled.

Elena's POV

He was right. I'd been so busy worrying about my children, I'd neglected my husband a bit.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"A little too long, yes."

I nodded.

"Want me to make it up to you?"

He smiled.

"I like the sound of it. Let's go."

"Or, we could make it interesting and do it here."

He arched a brow.

"Anyone could walk in…"

I smiled and started to mess with his tunic.

"That's part of the fun."

He growled and kissed me. I laughed softly as he laid me back on the ground. I quickly switched our places so I was straddling him.

"You're usually not this dominate unless…"

His eyes widened and he sat up.

"Are you pregnant?"

"Not that I know of."

He looked at me carefully and then kissed me. I wrapped my arms around him and tangled my fingers in his silky hair.

Joclyn's POV

I was having breakfast with Gimli when my uncle came bursting through the doors.

'The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit!"

He ran straight up to the king.

"Gondor calls for aid!"

The hall was dead silent… until Gimli burped. I looked at him and shook my head.

"And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim!" Théoden said.

Eomer bowed his head and then left. I caught Eowyn's eye and immediately knew she would follow us, even into battle. I wouldn't say anything. She had a right to fight for her country, for the ones she loved. Eruraviel would never let me go into battle without her, let alone Eomer. I saw the two of them together in the hall, talking quietly. I found Legolas out by the stables. He smiled until he saw my face.

"What is it?"

"Just that horrible feeling you get before a fight."

He sighed and put his arms around me.

"I know." He whispered.

As he started to let go, I kept his arms around me.

"Just hold me for a minute."

He held me in his arms and rubbed my back.

"We'll be alright." He whispered.

"I know, but I… I'm scared."

He leaned back and looked into my eyes.

"I will never let anything happen to you. I promise you this."

I nodded. I looked around and wondered how many of us would make it through this. Legolas helped Gimli onto a horse and I mounted Arod behind him.

"Now is the hour! Riders of Rohan! Oaths you have taken, fulfill them now to lord and land!" Eomer said.

I smiled when I saw Eruraviel. She was on a horse beside Eomer. She looked like a queen. I was proud. She'd come so far, she'd grown so much. As we rode away, I saw a smiling Merry on his pony.

"Hobbits." I said.

I rode outside the city to the dwarves. I'd already ordered the to make ready to leave.

"We march for Dunharrow!"

Thrain's POV

We were forced to fell from Osgiliath. And our ride across the fields of Pelinnor were not easy. We were chased by the Nazgul.

"It's the White Rider!"

I looked up. I smiled when I saw Gandalf. He set a bright light to drive back the shadow, safely escorting us through the gates of the city.

"Tharkun!"

I ride to him and found Pippin with him.

"Pip!"

"Mister Thrain!"

He smiled at me and I tousled his hair.

"Where are Frodo and Sam?"

I looked at Gandalf. Faramir came over next.

"They broke through our defences. They've taken the bridge and the west bank. Battalions of orcs are crossing the river."

"It is as the Lord Deneathor predicted! Long has he foreseen this doom!"

"Foreseen and done nothing!" Gandalf snapped.

Faramir now noticed Pippin.

"Faramir, this is not the first halfling to have crossed your path."

I looked down.

"Where are Frodo and Sam?"

"They're taking the road to the Morgul Vale." Faramir said.

"And then the pass of Cirith Ungol?"

Pippin looked confused and scared.

Joclyn… what do you know of Cirith Ungol?

My sister had spent more time in the library than I ever had.

"Please tell me that's not where Frodo is."

I wish I could, sister.

Just when things seemed to get better…